Prime Minister the Honourable Mark Brown met this week with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Cook Islands, His Excellency Mr Muhanna Aba Alkhail, as part of the official engagements marking the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-government in free association with New Zealand.
The visit, Ambassador Alkhail’s second to the Cook Islands, builds on the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2023. Since then, engagement has grown steadily, including two visits last year by the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, one of which coincided with the Cook Islands hosting of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, where Saudi Arabia provided grant support.
Discussions between Prime Minister Brown and Ambassador Alkhail focused on advancing arrangements for a proposed State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the fourth quarter of this year. This would mark the first State Visit by a Cook Islands leader to the Gulf region.
Ambassador Alkhail highlighted Saudi Arabia’s development journey and their 2030 Vision in increasing the diversification of their economy. Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly into clean energy, tourism, and digital technology. Prime Minister Brown noted the challenges of diversifying the national economy and complemented Saudi Arabia on their achievements in this area especially in digital transformation.
“This visit by Ambassador Alkhail during such a momentous occasion for our country reflects the deepening friendship between our countries,” said Prime Minister Brown. “We welcome the opportunity to continue building on the strong foundation of engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in areas of mutual interest, including climate resilience, digital technology, tourism, and investment.”
The visit is another step in the growing partnership between the Cook Islands and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, founded on shared interests and a commitment to regional and multilateral cooperation.
For queries regarding this media release, please contact: MFAI.media@cookislands.gov.ck